Italy Gladiator baseball players keep skills sharp down in Waco

Barry Byers Posted September 2, 2010 2:00pm Italy Gladiator Baseball

Image: Italy’s select baseball team and coaches keep working — Italy’s select baseball team, along with coaches Mark and Vincent Jacinto, prepare to take on a Waco select team during tournament play at the Dub-L R Fields, Riverbend Park in Waco this past weekend. — Italy’s select baseball team and coaches keep working — Italy’s select baseball team, along with coaches Mark and Vincent Jacinto, prepare to take on a Waco select team during tournament play at the Dub-L R Fields, Riverbend Park in Waco this past weekend. (Barry Byers)

A bag of sunflower seeds and a goal — Organized and coached by former Gladiator athletes and brothers Mark and Vincent Jacinto, Italy’s select baseball team continues to round bases at Waco’s Doubl-R Fields, Riverbend Park in an effort to gain experience while competing against high caliber baseball teams.

River Bend Park is a fabulous facility with plush green fields and scenic backdrops. The ballfield also boasts eight lighted fields, covered seating with ceiling fans, two concession stands, a Pro Shop, four TV’s at each concession area, a video arcade, and even beach umbrellas for fans.

The River Bend Park ballfield hosts baseball, fastpitch, and softball tournaments, as well as “Skills and Drills” training camps throughout the year.

In addition to competing during the summer, Team Italy played in five tournament games this past weekend and has scheduled to participate in more tournaments. Despite several teammates currently focused on Gladiator football, Italy still managed to field a 9-man roster with some late night additions.

“It was 12:30 a.m. Saturday morning before I knew I had a complete roster in place for the tournament,” mentioned Coach Mark Jacinto with a smile.

Team Italy’s roster in Waco this past weekend:

Coaches:
Mark Jacinto
Vincent Jacinto

1 – Ross Stiles
4 – Ryan Ashcraft
5 – Reid Jacinto
6 – Casey Williams (Waxahachie)
7 – Trevor Patterson
10 – Michael “Taz” Martinez
11 – Justin Wood
14 – Karsen Minniear (Corsicana)
24 – Caden Jacinto

Dub-L R Fields, Riverbend Park
1001 Lakeshore Dr.
Waco, Texas 76708
(254) 750-5980

Keep up the hard work!

Organized baseball — Coach Mark Jacinto double checks his 9-man roster and their positions. That was quick. (Barry Byers)

Checking the comp — Michael “Taz” Martinez studies the game prior before Italy played their first of two games on Saturday. (Barry Byers)

Stiles has style — Ross Stiles gets warmed up before the game. (Barry Byers)

Ryan’s game face — Catcher Ryan Ashcraft enjoys a cool breeze before suiting up in the catching gear. (Barry Byers)

“I” is represented — A row of Italy batting helmets signals it’s game time. (Barry Byers)

Walk in the park — Michael “Taz” Martinez(10) and Casey “Queso” Williams(6) study the field before the game. (Barry Byers)

Casey at the bat — Casey “Queso” Williams looks for the right pitch. (Barry Byers)

In the air — Italy’s Trevor Patterson watches the ball and holds at first base while Waco’s defense tears after the popup. (Barry Byers)

Reid swings — Reid Jacinto takes a swing at the Waco Mud Dogs’ defenses. (Barry Byers)

Bring the heat — Caden Jacinto stands confident at the plate. (Barry Byers)

Trevor settles in — Trevor Patterson takes his turn at Riverbend Park. (Barry Byers)

Wait a Minniear! — Pitcher Karsen Minniear of Corsicana delivers a strike for Italy’s select team. (Barry Byers)

Who’s on first? — Italy’s Reid Jacinto(5) holds a Mud Dogs’ player on first base. (Barry Byers)

Doing the job — Ryan Ashcraft working in Waco. (Barry Byers)

What’s a Mud Dog? — Catcher Ryan Ashcraft checks on pitcher Karsen Minniear during the game. (Barry Byers)

Justin Wood — Freshman Justin Wood pitches in for the cause to ensure Italy had a 9-man roster in Waco this past weekend. (Barry Byers)

Caden Jacinto — Caden Jacinto comes ready to play every game. (Barry Byers)

Ross Stiles — Hopefully, Ross won’t mind his picture being taken anymore. (Barry Byers)